The Beat

Madden NFL 15 Cover Vote: Richard Sherman

The Madden NFL Cover Vote is underway, and 16 of the game’s brightest stars will be vying for the honor of cover athlete of Madden NFL 15. Each athlete bio also includes tips on how to use each player in Madden NFL, courtesy of ZFarls and SGibs.

ZFarls and SGibs are pro gamers and authors of the Official Madden NFL 25 Strategy Guide by Prima Games. They are trusted Madden NFL community leaders, past tournament champions and active members of the EA SPORTS Game Changers program. Check out their site, MaddenTips.com, as well as their weekly “This Week in Madden” web show.

RICHARD SHERMAN, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS CBThe linchpin behind the nasty, dominant defense of the Seattle Seahawks, Sherman has to be considered 1A or 1B when it comes to the best cornerbacks in football. In his third season, Sherman picked off eight passes (giving him 20 in just three seasons), and made the biggest play of the entire 2013-14 NFL season, tipping the pass that led to the NFC-clinching interception. The Seahawks went on to dominate Super Bowl XLVIII and win their first ever title.

SHERMAN IN MADDEN NFL 25 (99 OVR, 98 MCV, 97 PRS, 82 CTH)Richard Sherman is the most dominant defender in Madden NFL 25 thanks to an amazing blend of size and speed. With high ratings in both man and zone coverage, Sherman can switch up coverage schemes to lock down nearly any receiver in the game. Not many players target Sherman’s side in Madden; his 82 Catch rating ensures that they pay with a turnover!

KEY PLAY: NICKEL NORMAL – COVER 1 PRESSThis play gives Richard Sherman minimal help over the top, which is exactly what you want. While normal Cover 1 plays start with the CB back in coverage, the “press” means Sherman and his 97 Press rating will be in the face of the WR. At the snap, Sherman will hold up the WR and disrupt the QB’s timing. Sherman will then get into great position to defend the pass. With his 98 Jump rating and 6’3 frame, Sherman is able to sky over WR’s to haul in interceptions with his amazing 82 Catch rating.

Pro Tip: You can call regular Cover 1 and have Sherman play back if you don’t want to press on a certain play.